Tim Beck is in his second season at the helm of the Nebraska offensive attack.

Photo Courtesy Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Courtesy: NU Media Relations

08/13/2012

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska football team kicked off their second week of fall camp on Monday morning, practicing for two hours in full pads on the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields and inside the Hawks Championship Center. Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck met with the media following practice and discussed the level of competition for the backup quarterback position.

"Right now, it's very even," Beck said. "Brion Carnes, Ron Kellogg and Tommy Armstrong: I think all three of those guys have been playing well. Each period or each day, a guy may shine better than another guy right now, so I'm distributing the reps as equally as we can, to get a chance to get a look at all those guys and see who's going to be the most consistent out of them."

Beck had praise for the level of competition junior Ron Kellogg III and freshman Tommy Armstrong have brought to camp as they battle sophomore Brion Carnes for the backup spot.

"We're getting (Brion) more reps, but he's also sharing some reps now with Tommy and even Ron," Beck said. "I think Ron and Tommy have played well in this camp. I've been very impressed and pleased with their development, and they're pushing Brion. With that being said, it's still open and guys are still battling."

Beck also expressed confidence in the depth at offensive tackle, nothing that he likes the combination of experience and young talent.

"I think you've got veterans in Jeremiah Sirles, and Andrew Rodriguez is having a great camp, plus Brent Qvale," Beck said. "Brandon Thompson's done some things there before and Givens Price is really coming on. I'm really impressed with what he's been showing us. I really like our guys. We have some veterans over there that have a lot of playing experience, and good, young talent coming up."

With only three weeks remaining until Nebraska's season opener on Sept. 1, Beck said this week of practices is especially important.

"Obviously it's huge," Beck said. "You start school next week, and by the end of next week you start focusing in on your opponent. You've got a little over a week to go, and you have to refine them. You want to make sure you're being consistent, keep improving in your fundamentals and techniques. You want to get those to a point where they're second nature for them. We're getting there."

The Huskers return to the practice field Monday evening for its second workout of the day, and will conduct a total of nine practices this week as the team gears up to face Southern Miss in its season opener. The game will kick off at 2:30 pm. CST and will be broadcast regionally on ABC and ESPN2.